LEAKY GOVERNANCE OF BJP: FROM LEAKS TO LOOPHOLES

In the past 8 years, there have been more than 50 instances of paper leaks, showcasing the incompetence and corruption rampant under the governance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This has impacted the lives of thousands of aspirants, the quality of their education, and their future. 

The UP Police Constable recruitment disaster in Uttar Pradesh serves as yet another severe criticism of the BJP's mismanagement. With over 60,244 posts and more than 50 lakh applications received. The influx of over 50 lakh applications underscores the desperation among the state’s youth for employment opportunities, highlighting the Government’s failure to create sufficient job opportunities for the youth. 

From Gujarat to Uttar Pradesh, the paper leaks have become a hallmark for BJP-led administrations. In Gujarat, there have been more than 14 instances of paper leaks since 2015, including the GPSC chief officer in 2014, the Talati examination in 2015, and the Talati Surendranagar and Gandhinagar examinations in 2016. Uttar Pradesh also saw six incidents of paper leaks between 2017 and 2022, some of which included the Inspectors Online Recruitment Test (2017), UPTET (2021), and Preliminary Eligibility Test (2021). Is jeopardizing the future of our youth important to win elections?

Every leak has had cascading effects on the lives of aspirants. According to the report by Indian Express, in at least 15 cases, exams were held almost a year after the leak; in 4 cases, the wait was for two years, and in 7 cases, the candidates are still waiting. In Gujarat, almost 6 lakh candidates appeared in a recruitment exam for close to 4,000 posts of clerks and office assistants in November 2019. After the exam was canceled, the wait lasted more than two years. This isn't just a delay; it's a betrayal of trust and a waste of precious time and resources.

Such paper leaks not only undermine public trust in educational institutions and government bodies responsible for conducting exams but the integrity of the examination system is also compromised. Honest candidates who diligently prepared for the examination face an unfair disadvantage when competing against individuals who gained an advantage when the paper was leaked. Conducting re-examinations leads to a lot of examination ramifications, wastage of resources, and conducting investigations. Moreover, the individuals who spent their time and money preparing for these examinations had to suffer financially due to paper leaks. It's a system rigged against the hardworking and in favor of the well-connected, all under the watch of the BJP.

The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill introduced in Parliament on February 9, 2024, is a weak attempt to mask the BJP's failures. While highlighted as a solution to the problem, the bill is filled with loopholes and lacks in holding the officials accountable for these leaks. It's a classic case of too little, too late, and an iconic case of the BJP's empty promises and hollow governance.

While the bill ensures good investigation and enforcement by dedicated officers, there is a need for mechanisms to ensure accountability and transparency in the examination system. This should include monitoring the conduct of the examination, auditing of procedures, and handling complaints to prevent malpractices effectively.

Many instances of paper leaks have revealed the involvement of government officials, teachers, and printing presses. Social media has also played a significant role in the circulation of leaked question papers, exacerbating the issue. In the face of these challenges, the question remains: when will this cycle of corruption and injustice end?

• Vidhi Chhabra